A Crazy Time...

It’s been awhile since I’ve posted here, but this is a crazy time! As anyone with a missionary currently serving may know, many are being sent home or reassigned due to the COVID-19 crisis. In my boyfriend’s case, he will be quarantined in Argentina for a time before he can get a flight back to Canada. Once back in Canada, he will be quarantined again and (possibly) reassigned a mission somewhere in Canada. It is hard to know whether a reassignment is even possible as the Canadian government is cracking down on anyone who is not staying within their homes as often as they can. For anyone not staying home (unless it is necessary to leave), they can be charged and fined as they are putting their fellow citizens at risk. 

It is important to try to remain calm, panic is only going to make things worse. Be diligent, not panicky. For those of you that find comfort in faith, I encourage you to pray to your Heavenly Father for peace and safety. For those with families, hold them close and teach good health practices. If you can, try to get fresh air as often as possible- fresh air is good for your mental health and can help you feel less isolated. Even just sitting in your yard (not wandering too far from your house), can help you feel more connected to nature and (in turn) to your creator. 

We must remember to be kind to one another, especially those in the retail service and the healthcare system. These people are putting themselves at risk to help their fellow citizens. Be humble and understanding. Remember you are loved.

I hope someone can find comfort in this and know that their are always people who are willing to help in whatever way they can. Stay safe!

How I met my boyfriend...

I love to hear about how people fall in love. Not for the romance but for the story. There might be those who are like me, who just like to hear about other people and the lives they lead. And so, I want to share my “love story”

In my grade 12 year (senior year), my high school was putting on a production of the “Addams Family Musical”. At the time, I was already an established goth and my hair was (dyed) black and down to my waist- I definitely fit the profile for Morticia. Now, I was not a person who liked to sing in front of others. It was just something I had never been interested in. But, being the goth that I am, how could I pass up the opportunity to play Morticia Addams? So I put all discomfort aside and auditioned. 

I attended both of the auditions that happened, and I’m glad I did! For the second audition, there was this guy that I had never met before. I grew up in a small town, so I pretty much knew everyone in the school. But this kid was new. And he did a PERFECT Gomez impression. It was at that moment that I realized I had to play Morticia. So, I did everything I could to get the part... and I did! At this point I had a *slight* affection for this new kid and we were to play husband and wife.

Now, he was a shy person at the start- and I’m naturally a “outgoing” person. So I decided to make it my goal to make him very comfortable with me! From November on, I was not-so-subtly flirting with him (he was oblivious to this). Even before we started dating, I made it clear to everyone that I wanted him. Now, I may be short, but I can make anyone fear me. So, I did :)

March rolls around, and he finally asks me out! He didn’t even get to finish the speech he had prepared, I just said yes to being his girlfriend. He was definitely surprised by that! Turns out, I was the first girlfriend he had ever had, and he was the first serious boyfriend that I had ever had. And here we are, 2 years later, and we still are very much in love! 

To whomever may read this, I hope you enjoyed it! 

Sincerely,

Your friendly neighborhood goth chick 

When your Missionary leaves around Christmas...

It has officially been 1 week since my boyfriend left on his mission and it has definitely been bitter-sweet. I would imagine that, for any girlfriend/boyfriend of a missionary, this would be a universal feeling- you are so happy and proud of them, yet you are sad to see them go. The first few weeks are always going to be the hardest, but soon enough it becomes the new normal. 

The holidays are difficult times for many people- lots of stress for many different reasons. There’s exams to study for, financial problems, the stress of visiting family, etc. Now add on the fact that your significant other is in another country and all you can do is wait for their email or letter. For anyone that suffers from anxiety/depression, this can be almost too much to handle- believe me, I know. So what are some things you can do to help yourself and your missionary get through this? Here are some strategies:

1. Keep in contact with your missionary’s family (if possible)

Their child is in another country for the holidays so they are aware of what you are going through. They can be a great support for you and can help you to best support your missionary. After all, they know their child and they want whats best for them. 

2. Have a close friend or family member that you can talk to

Having someone to confide in about your feelings is very important. Sometimes you just need to rant, vent, or cry to- an the person you would usually talk to is on their mission! Friends and family are your best supports and they want to help you with this. Keeping it all to yourself will only make things harder, and your missionary will feel it too. The more honest you are to the people around you, the better off you and your missionary will be.

3. Seek counseling/therapy

Everyone can use a therapist/counselor. We are all going through something and that is %100 okay! If you feel like you can’t handle the situation and your friends/family just aren’t enough, there is always a professional out there who can help you. If you feel like you just can’t afford it- there are free options. If you just can’t bring yourself to pick up the phone and call- there are people who are willing to help you with that. Any university campus or hospital will have services available for you. There is no shame in needing therapy!

4. Prayer

Prayer can be quite powerful- sometimes we just need to place our struggles in God’s hands. Pray for strength (or whatever else you need) for both you and your missionary. 

“Please turn to Him if you are discouraged and struggling for direction in your life. Armed with the shield of faith, we can overcome many of our daily challenges and overpower our greatest weaknesses and fears, knowing that if we do our best to keep the commandments of God, come what may, we will be all right.” -M. Russell Ballard

“Cast your burden on the Lord and He will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be moved.” -Psalm 55:22

5. Priesthood Blessings

I can testify of the power of a priesthood blessing. At my lowest point this past year, I sought a blessing and I have been much better for it. Don’t be afraid to ask- there is always a priesthood holder that is willing to help!

6. Talking with your Bishop or President

These are people with a calling to help members. Book an appointment with your Bishop or President and try to meet with them often (if possible). They can provide great advice/assistance.

7. Attend Church and the Temple

Going to the Church and the Temple is awesome! The Spirit is in these buildings and it can really help you through the tough times. Surround yourself with those who an help bring you closer to the Spirit -this will help you to bring the Spirit to your missionary!

Remember: just because it works for some doesn’t mean it will work for you. Know yourself and do what works best for you -its perfectly okay to be different!

Sincerely,

Your Friendly, Neighborhood Goth Chick